July 2, 3 Vannes
Raining today. Our luck with the weather has been amazing - as I have mentioned before, everyday that it has rained we have been off he bikes. Walked in to the old town of Vannes, admiring the old half-timbered houses, many with wooden carvings on the main support posts of the house. At ground level, most of these properties are shops. Visited two museums, Chateau Gaillard (Museum of History & Archeology) and La Cohune (Museum of Fine Arts). Chateau Gaillard is in an urban mansion dating from the 15thC, still retaining the original layout. One room comprised beautifully painted panels depicting hermits and some of the saints. Wooden ceilings were also heavily carved. Collections of books, stuffed animals, birds eggs, ivory vessels, wooden and stone religious sculptures. La Cohune was not as impressive as the Chateau, but was well set out and contained some interesting prints and other works.
Museumed out, we bought a baguette to share and went into a bar for a coffee.
Spent some time in the huge centuries old Church of St Peter, admiring the furniture and artifacts, and thinking of the thousands of feet which have walked over the huge flat floor stones.
Walked around some of the newer parts of Vannes, eventually going back to the same restaurant as last night, the Macbal, for dinner.

Next day, after washing our clothes we headed back to the old city, taking a ride on the tourist train, which gave us a different perspective of the town, the commentary expanding our knowledge. After the ride we went back in to the gardens just outside the old town wall and looked at the wash houses along the river channel, built around 1820. Saw a couple of art exhibitions, before having lunch and returning to our hotel for a rest and to watch a bit of Wimbledon. TV was full of the news of the release of the French Columbian journalist, Ingrid Bidencourt, held captive by Columbian rebels for 7 years.
Dinner again at the Macbal, welcomed warmly by the owner and his wife, and given a free coffee to complete our meal. Food was good, atmosphere friendly - many locals dine there.